Method of installing a self locking sheet metal duct

Abstract

A circular sheet metal duct having a sealant applied across the longitudinal seam. The sealant will improve the efficiency and will reduce or eliminate air leakage from the longitudinal seam. The sealant is applied during the manufacturing processes so that an installer does not have to seal the duct work. The method of manufacturing the sealant is provided.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for installing a sealed circular duct comprising:
 (a) providing a circular sheet metal duct that is self-sealing when put together by an installer having:
 (i) sheet metal; 
 (ii) a self locking mechanism having a female portion and a male portion on opposite ends of the sheet metal, when the male portion engages the female portion, the circular duct is formed; and 
 (iii) a liquid applied gasketing sealant in the female portion or on the male portion that is applied during manufacturing of the duct so that when the female portion and the male portion are locked together by the installer a sealed duct is created; 
 
 (b) engaging the locking mechanism together and simultaneously sealing the longitudinal seam of the circular duct by engaging the locking mechanism without an installer using sealant; and 
 (c) connecting the ductwork with other ductwork. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein the self locking mechanism is a button lock. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein the self locking mechanism is a reeves lock. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein the sealant is encapsulated by the sheet metal so that it is not exposed and does not come into contact with an air stream. 
     
     
       5. A method for installing a sealed circular duct comprising:
 (a) providing a circular sheet metal duct that is self-sealing when put together by an installer that was manufactured by a processes comprised of:
 (i) providing sheet metal; 
 (ii) providing a snap lock mechanism on the sheet metal; 
 (iii) inserting a reusable liquid applied gasketing sealant into the snap lock mechanism; and 
 (iv) forming the sheet metal into the shape of a circular duct; 
 
 (b) engaging the locking mechanism together and simultaneously sealing the longitudinal seam of the circular duct by engaging the locking mechanism without an installer using sealant; and 
 (c) connecting the ductwork with other ductwork. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5  wherein the self locking mechanism is a button lock. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 5  wherein the self locking mechanism is a reeves lock. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 5  wherein the sealant is encapsulated by the sheet metal so that it is not exposed and does not come into contact with an air stream.